Hepatitis C virus infection and lichen planus: a short review.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature regarding the association of lichen planus (LP) and liver disease, with particular attention to the association of the oral variant of the disease with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.


METHODS
Available literature of the possible association of LP with systemic disorders, in particular chronic hepatic disease, has been reviewed.


RESULTS
LP is sometimes associated with infectious or autoimmune disease and/or neoplasia, however an aetiological association between LP and these disorders seems unlikely. A more consistent association exists between LP and chronic hepatic disease. The precise cause of this association is not known. However, in the last 6 years a notable association between HCV infection and LP has been observed, particularly in patients in Spain, Italy and Japan. The pathogenesis of this possible HCV-associated LP is not known, but it may involve a cell mediated response to an altered epithelial antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
There is now evidence to suggest a significant association between HCV infection and LP in some groups of patients.
Lodi
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G
Department of Oral Medicine, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University of London, UK.
Porter
S R
SR
D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology